Stop and Frisk
Insufficient Banking Remains Challenge for Legal Marijuana Industry
A week ago we spoke concerning the fact our Commander in Chief looks like it’s unaware of the separation of forces. President Obama attempted to assert that he’s powerless to assist reschedule marijuana laws and regulations. He obviously was remedied through the reporter performing the job interview and informed the Department of Justice works best for the Leader. Mr. Obama is extremely wise and it is an old leader from the Harvard Law Review. This would lead someone to think that his outward naive behavior was intentional, something that’s simply not likely to sit well with reformers and medicinal marijuana patients.
Marijuana Industry News The month of january 10, 2014
Alaska Can Become Third Condition to Legalize Leisure Marijuana…The National football league has had a lot of critique because of its tolerance of binge consuming and lightweight punitive measures for gamers charged with DUIs because they concurrently lower the hammer on the least heavy marijuana infringements. Using its macho alpha male attitude, the National football league hasn’t exactly been considered to be a progressive organization. This is actually the same league that will not make significant equipment changes to be able to improve safety because of its gamers. Fortunately, Commissioner Roger Goodell,leaves the doorway available to possibly permitting gamers received medicinal marijuana in states where it’s legal. He lately stated “I have no idea what’s likely to develop so far as the following chance for medicine to evolve and also to help either cope with discomfort or help cope with injuries, but we continuously offer the evolution of drugs.Inches
Marijuana Industry News December 13, 2013
Uruguay Becomes First Nation to Legalize Marijuana…
The story has been developing for a long time but now it looks official. Uruguay will become the first nation to legalize recreational marijuana. Uruguay, like many other countries in Central and South America, is attempting to rectify the growing problems related to failed marijuana policy, including the brutal cartel violence. This week, Uruguay Senators voted 16-13 to legalize and regulate marijuana. The idea has been championed by Uruguay President, Jose Mujica. His wife, Senator Lucía Topolansky told Reuters “We begin a new experience in April. It involves a big cultural change that focuses on public health and the fight against drug trafficking.” Residents, 18 and over, will be able to purchase up to 40 grams per month so long as they are properly registered.
For more on this story click here
New York State Lawmakers Considering a Legal Marijuana Industry…
The marijuana conversation in New York has been front and center over the course of the past year in New York. Unfortunately, most of the focus has been on “Stop and Frisk”, the NYPD’s ruthless strategy to work around a decriminalization law passed in the 1970s. New York allows possession of up to 25g to be considered a civil citation, punishable by a ticket. However, the law does not allow for the cannabis to be in plain sight in order to prevent public consumption. The NYPD tells individuals to empty their pockets. Refusing to do so is illegal while following the officer’s instructions puts the marijuana in plain sight, where the charges will escalate. NY State Senator Liz Krueger wishes to put an end to the unjust practices that overwhelmingly target minority residents. She recently introduced a bill that would create a legal recreational marijuana market similar to Colorado and Washington, complete with state oversight and tax revenues. She recently said publicly that “There is marijuana usage and there has been forever and we have to stop wasting lives and wasting police power and our courts.” It is not clear yet if the bill will have enough votes or support from Governor Cuomo to pass.
For more on this story click here
Poll Shows California Support for Recreational Marijuana Law is Increasing…
While California residents have been pioneers in medical marijuana, having passed Proposition 215 (California Compassionate Use Act) in 1996, support for legalizing recreational use has taken far longer to grow. A majority of residents, even up to a few years ago actually were against legalization. Recently those numbers have been much more evenly split. The newest polling on the issue shows a majority of California residents now outright support legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana. A Field Poll found that 55% of California residents support legalizing. Residents may get their chance to do more than answer survey questions as serious efforts are underway to bring the issue to the ballot for residents to vote on next year. Mark A.R. Kleiman is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is considered an expert on drug policy and recently said “Debating about whether to legalize now is pointless, because we’re going to. The smart debate is about how we’ll do it.”
For more on this article click here
Marijuana Industry News June 28, 2013
Google Lending a Submit Legitimizing Medicinal Marijuana…
Presently, keying in the saying “chemotherapy nausea” inside a Search will yield foreseeable results for example pills and outdated natural home remedies. Starting the following month, however, that can change. The same search will produce yet another good treatment, medical marijuana. Google is going to be permitting Michigan Empathy to put advertisements around the popular internet search engine. Michigan Empathy is not purchased marijuana, rather it works as a network for farmers and patients to get involved with contact. Vice leader of Michigan Empathy , Amish Parikh stated “the aim would be to link the side effects of chemotherapy and also the results of cannabis.” The influence Google might have around the discussion might be dramatic.
 
For additional about this story click the link
 
 
Two Medicinal Marijuana Shops Opening In Vermont…
 
Vermont joins an increasing listing of states meting out medicinal marijuana legally. Champlain Valley Dispensary is located in Burlington while Vermont Patients Alliance has opened up in Monteplier. Another facility is going to be opening soon in Brandon. Condition congress passed legislation enabling medicinal marijuana to become distributed. Operator of Champlain Valley Dispensary,
Shayne Lynn, stated “This can be a groundbreaking. It is important and exciting to do this in Burlington.” Lynn continued to state “I totally have confidence in the guarana plant and also the science behind it. I’d a really good friend who had been someone I saw the relief he was getting by using cannabis. It had been the main one factor that got him through chemotherapy.”
 
For additional about this story click the link
 
NY Senate Eliminates Voting on Two Key Marijuana Measures…
 
Despite growing support from New You are able to citizens and Governor Cuomo, congress in Albany prevented dealing with the opportunity to reform condition marijuana laws and regulations. A lot of the Empire Condition expires in arms concerning the “Stop and Frisk” loophole utilized by cops to create unintentional marijuana busts. Furthermore, there is also bill that will have legalized medicinal marijuana, that also has got the support of most New You are able to citizens. When the medical expense was passed, being approved patients could have been in a position to possess as much as 2.5 oz . of cannabis. It’s unclear Albany congress will have the ability to still avoid dealing with the problem. Over 80% of recent Yorkers support medicinal marijuana, and New You are able to City congress chosen on the bill to finish “Stop and Frisk”. Based on the ACLU, New You are able to has more marijuana busts than every other condition.
 
Marijuana Industry News May, 31 2013
Study: Medicinal Marijuana Prevents Brain Damage…
Medicinal marijuana had certainly made the situation by itself like a great discomfort, anxiety, and stress reliever. Preventing brain damage can also be put into the constantly growing listing of conditions medicinal marijuana can help with. In research on rodents, marijuana was proven to safeguard the mind from damage connected with seizures, toxic drug exposure, and deficiencies in oxygen. Josef Sarne, of Tel Aviv College, made the findings. Many are looking forward to the potential for these studies. It may even become for marijuana to become given before dangerous surgical procedures in an effort to offer greater protection for that brain. Mr. Sarne also feels marijuana is an efficient tool in testing epileptic seizures.
For additional about this story click the link
 
Activists Pushing for Legal Marijuana in Tigard Maine…
There already have been substantial conversations regarding legal and controlled marijuana within the condition of Maine. Portland citizens might not wait for a condition to come to a decision and it is thinking about legalizing small quantities of marijuana. The activist group, People for any Safer Tigard, are leading the charge to gather enough signatures to obtain the problem towards the ballot. Over 3,200 signatures happen to be posted while 1,500 are essential. Assuming the condition validates an adequate amount of the signatures, voters will ultimately determine if marijuana becomes legal. Tom Macmillan belongs to the coalition and lately stated “The citizens of Maine’s biggest city strongly offer the finish of marijuana prohibition for grown ups, just like alcohol prohibition ended decades ago.”
For additional about this story click the link
 
NY Congress Approve Law to repair Stop and Frisk and Truly Decriminalize…
New York’s lengthy running Stop and Frisk cleaning soap opera might be visiting and finish. The condition set up has approved legislation, by a margin of 80-59, that will close the plain sight loophole frequently utilized by cops. Only hidden marijuana is decriminalized in New You are able to Condition. Officers frequently demand that people (who’re extremely Black and Hispanic) empty their pockets simply to arrest them marijuana in public places view. The bill will go prior to the condition senate. That might be probably the most challenging political hurdle as New You are able to Governor, Andrew Cuomo, has openly supported closing the loophole.
Marijuan Industry News May 3, 2013
Way forward for La Marijuana Industry Might be Made the decision by Voters inside a Couple of Days…
La has observed quite the cleaning soap opera if this involves marijuana law. City Council authorities have experienced a range of ineffective ideas through the years inside a desperate make an effort to provide some semblance of regulation. However safe access for patients is frequently an after thought when these politically motivated ideas are created. There are three ballots that’ll be chosen on by La citizens on May 21st. You will see three measures relating to medicinal marijuana regulation that La Voters will select from. Ordinance E has lost support and it is basically glitch, as congress and U . s . Food and Commercial Employees union leaped ship after initially supporting the measure. Although abandoned, Ordinance E can’t be removed the ballot. Proposition D may also be around the ballot and can require a tax increase on medicinal marijuana transactions. However, the measures would also neglect to correctly address safety, lab testing, marijuana worker background inspections, and barring minors from entering shops. This really is the key reason why Marijuana.internet is promoting Ordiance F. If passed, Ordiance F provides probably the most comprehensive method of modern medicinal marijuana law. Taxes would be employed to supplement costs connected with education, police, and also the fire department. It might also require detailed financial records and transparency from dispensary operators. The goup Angelenos for Safe Access is attempting to boost awareness and be sure that patient’s safety factors are the main priority of Los Angeles’ efforts to manage medicinal marijuana.
 
For additional on Angelenos for Safe Access and Ordinance F click the link
 
Federal Suit Accuses Police of Distorting Marijuana Accusations to produce Busts…
New York’s questionable “Stop and Frisk” tactic has brought to a lot of unnecessary busts and it has snapped up many head lines. Many New You are able to citizens have desired to visit a change in the manner police make use of a loophole to bypass the state’s decriminalized marijuana possession laws and regulations. Having under 25 grams of marijuana in New You are able to is really a civil infraction, unless of course the marijuana is within plain view, which could then be a misdemeanor charge. When officials utilize “Stop and Frisk” they frequently arrest individuals The NYPD has defended the practice which appears to focus on mainly non whites. From the 50 plus,000 1000 busts for marijuana this year, 84% were Hispanic or Black. The space is much more pronounced within the Bronx and five citizens within the northern borough have filed a federal civil privileges suit from the NYPD. The suit accuses Police of distorting what the law states to conduct searches of Black and Hispanic people without cause. What The Law States Department of recent You are able to City has yet to said around the situation and states haven’t yet been offered using the suit.
 
For additional about this story click the link
 
 
Ohio Lawmaker Introduces Marijuana Legalisation Bills…
 
As the conversation regarding marijuana reform has increased within the Northeast, and try to appears to become thriving out west, it is vital that we don’t neglect what’s going on in the center of the nation. Michigan is a Area trailblazer for a long time if this involves progressive marijuana law. Ohio has become also joining the conversation as Condition Democratic Repetition. Robert Hagan features two bills that will drastically reform Ohio’s marijuana law. House Bill 153 would permit using medicinal marijuana for individuals with chronic conditions. This could make Ohio the twentieth condition to legalize medicinal marijuana with Maryland becoming the 19th now. House Joint Resolution 6 would put a choice of a tax and regulation system of leisure marijuana towards the Ohio voters. Repetition. Hagan has in comparison Resolution 6 towards the lately passed legalisation enter in Colorado. Hagan lately stated “With invested allocated to the fight against drugs with little progress to exhibit for this, the time is right for additional sensible drug policy within this country…This problem warrants a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ election through the people.”
Marijuana Updates In the Northeast
Nearly all People in america support legalized leisure marijuana based on recent polls. The huge most of People in america are in support of medicinal marijuana. It isn’t any surprise that there’s been much movement on legal marijuana within the northeast, a region if America with one when the greatest population densities.
Rhode Island is placed to determine it’s first medicinal marijuana dispensary open. On Friday the Thomas C. Slater Empathy Center is anticipated to spread out their doorways. The center is centered on safety and won’t treat the recognition to be the very first dispensary in Rhode Island as a given. The cultivation director of Slater Empathy, Joel T. Allcock, is rejecting about 40% from the medication posted to him to be able to ensure people are not place in danger.
Another northeast condition has developed in the news recently for marijuana related issues too. However, while “stop and frisk” remains a hotly debated problem, there is really a new update in the Empire Condition. For the very first time there seems to become a realistic chance that NY congress may pass an invoice legalizing medicinal marijuana. Polls reveal that over two thirdof NY citizens desire to view it happen. A quantity of similar bills have unsuccessful over the past few years, but condition lawmaker Richard Gottfried feels this time around might be different. The Manhattan Democrat lately mentioned openly “I am positive this season partially because polling data is constantly on the show a rising degree of public support.”
We’ll keep close track of these tales and supply any updates because the develop. Almost every condition in the area has thought about amended their marijuana laws and regulations or have seriously considered doing this previously couple of years. The western U . s . States might be ahead when the northeast if this involves legalized marijuana however the northeast seems to become moving in an faster pace now.
Marijuana Industry News March 22, 2013
Tom Ammiano Back with New California Legalization Bill…
The lack of a statewide system in place to regulate medical marijuana has plagued California since the program’s inception in 1996. A patchwork of legal fixes have either been implemented or proposed, but no effort, to date, has really solved the issue. Federal authorities would likely be less motivated to conduct raids if a uniform set of laws was instituted in California. Other states, such as Colorado have experienced far less problems with organized crime and federal interference due in large part to proper regulation at the state level. State Assemblyman, Tom Ammiano, is trying to get a bill passed that would set up a state regulated system. He has attempted this previously, only to find resistance from both law enforcement and activists. Many accused his proposal of being too vague. Mr. Ammiano is back with a new proposal and law enforcement is already issuing criticism. The bill would have marijuana be regulated like alcohol, an idea that is clearly gaining momentum as both Colorado and Washington have passed similar laws.
For more on this issue click here
Marijuana Arrests Cost NYC One Million Police Hours During Mayor Bloomberg’s Tenure as Mayor
New York’s “Stop and Frisk”, a legal loophole used by law enforcement to defeat the spirit of the state’s marijuana decriminalization bill, has been receiving considerable media attention as of late. Community organizers have been vocal in letting NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly know that they do not support the high arrests for small marijuana possession. These arrests tend to target Black and Hispanic teens. Governor Cuomo is trying to get Albany lawmakers to adopt new legislation to put an end to “Stop and Frisk”. A new statistic will likely embolden the Governor and residents who wish to see their tax dollars put to better use. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, New York City has spent over one million police hours pursuing marijuana arrests since Michael Bloomberg became mayor (11 years ago). In a city as vast and populated as New York, residents are getting fed up with the direction law enforcement has taken. Many neighborhoods are still dangerous and police may be able to utilize their time in a way that would help the city. The relationship between police and residents has degenerated, due in large part to “Stop and Frisk.”
For more on this story click here
Push For Medical Marijuana in Florida Gets Huge Financial Support…
Although many associate Florida with retirees, the Sunshine State is also known for its large number of indoor marijuana grows. Even though penalty and cultivation penalties are harsh in Florida, the black market for marijuana is tremendous, especially as so many seek physical relief. Past efforts to legalize marijuana in Florida have failed. However, activists may find more success as they are about to be bankrolled by two top democratic fundraisers in Florida. One the individuals is John Morgan, who recently became the chairman of the People United for Medical Marijuana-Florida. The group has previously struggled to raise enough money to get their message out. Kim Russell, the group’s founder recently said they “were just scraping pennies together” to get by. John Morgan appears ready to take his successful political fundraising techniques to the group. Earlier this week he said “I’m prepared to keep raising money and writing checks until I get the signatures to put it on the ballot.” Political analysts are wondering how influential John Morgan’s fundraising can be, especially as he has raised considerable funds for high profile candidates, including President Barack Obama.
Marijuana Industry News March 15, 2013
International Leaders Want U.S. to Go After Legal Pot in Colorado and Washington…
Even as it is clear a vast majority of Americans wish to see marijuana laws reformed, the Federal government has resisted. One of the most complex situations for federal authorities is permitting legalized marijuana while abiding by international treaties. In 1961, the U.S. took part in the U.N. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Officially we are expected to uphold our part as a party of this agreement. However, the United States has not exactly been weighed down by the past burdens of international treaty. Raymond Yans, president of the International Narcotics Control Board, recently said that federal law (where marijuana is still illegal, despite state laws on the contrary) was “good, but insufficient.” The momentum has clearly shifted and now fewer politicians in the United States seems inclined to come on to national airwaves and voice support for the continued and failed War on Drugs. Whether or not it is correct on the part of the American people, we typically do not respond well to the U.N. lecturing us. If Raymond Yans decides to come to America and give a speech on how he feels a 50 year old treaty is more important than suffering patients, or individual liberties, it should make for excellent television.
For more on this story click here
Mass. Attorney General Dismantles Ban on Dispensaries…
Due to a successful ballot initiative by residents, Massachusetts is one of the newest states to approve the use of medical marijuana. Of course, controversy soon followed. Even before any dispensaries have opened, local municipalities have enacted bans. However, outright bans have been ruled illegal by the attorney general. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts attorney general’s office said “The act’s legislative purpose could not be served if a municipality could prohibit treatment centers within its borders, for if one municipality could do so, presumably all could do so.” However, local municipalities will have considerable power in overseeing dispensaries. They will be able to set out guidelines as to where dispensaries can be located, such as requiring they be a certain distance from schools, parks etc. This represents a major victory for patients as other states have adopted medical marijuana legislation, only outlaw dispensaries. This leaves the program in limbo. Most patients cannot be depended on to cultivate their own effective and safe medicine without the help of dispensaries.
For more on this story click here
Governor Andrew Cuomo Includes Marijuana in NY State Budget Discussions…
Last year, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo decided to shift his hard line view on marijuana reform. The second generation New York governor ran his 2010 campaign with a seemingly inflexible view on marijuana. However, clarifying New York’s decriminalization law from the 1970s has been gaining momentum, especially in New York City. While possession of less than 25g is supposed to yield a civil citation (ticket), a loophole has allowed police to slap harsher charges. However, if marijuana is in plain view, then the offense is escalated to a misdemeanor charge. A tactic known as “Stop and Frisk”, easily allows police to capitalize on the loophole. Officers will tell someone to take marijuana out of their pocket, police can then arrest the individual for having it in “plain sight”, even as they were following the instructions of the officer. The tactic tends to disproportionately target young Hispanic and African Americans even as white teens smoke marijuana in higher numbers, and represent more of the general New York population. Governor Andrew Cuomo was initially mocked for proposing a solution to “Stop and Frisk”. He has argued that “plain sight” and concealed possession should both result in a civil citation charge. The proposal has gained popularity as communities have grown weary from seeing their teens jailed, and having criminal charges following them for the rest of their lives. Brooklyn Democrat, Karim Camara, echoed the growing sentiment and told reporters “We’re not only punishing the individual; we’re punishing society.” Mr. Camara cited how difficult it is for teens with a criminal record to get into college. Additionally, measures that would save the state money (especially post Sandy) are getting their time in the limelight. As New York state enters into bitter budget negotiations, Governor Cuomo appears to be holding at least a semi hard line on reforming marijuana law. It is not yet clear how this will play out politically and if this will force state republicans to accept the change in marijuana law.
NY Governor Cuomo Using Spotlight to Highlight State Marijuana Reform
It has been a busy few months for New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Obama ally maintained a high profile during the election (he seems to be poised to make his own run for the White House) and campaigned for the president. Governor Cuomo has also been vocal in his criticism during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy which includes attempting to break up LIPA’s energy monopoly and has demanded that Congress appropriates money to the region to help rebuild. He has also gotten out in front of the gun debate and is seeking to make pass one of the country’s toughest assault weapon ban.
However, Governor Cuomo has also taken on another important issue. When Mr. Cuomo first ran for governor he maintained a traditional skepticism to marijuana reform. He even sounded harshly against any progressive legislation in this area. Over the course of the past two years his public comments have softened considerably. Last spring, the governor informed the public that he was seeking to eliminate New York’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” policy. This loophole, goes against the spirit New York’s marijuana decriminalization laws that were passed in the 1970s. Possession of under 25g (concealed) is supposed to result in a civil citation ticket. However, if marijuana is in “plain sight”, then the charges escalate to a much more severe misdemeanor.
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo re-affirmed his stance. On Wednesday, in a public speech he said “The legislature finds that arrests, criminal prosecutions, and criminal penalties are inappropriate for people who possess small quantities of marihuana for personal use. Every year, this process needlessly scars thousands of lives and wastes millions of dollars in law enforcement resources, while detracting from the prosecution of serious crime.” He also said marijuana arrests that “stigmatize and criminalize must end now.”
Advocates for marijuana reform have been pleased to see Governor Cuomo trying to fix the controversial loophole. “Stop and Frisk” is used primarily within New York City’s jurisdiction and unevenly targets Blacks and Hispanics, many of whom are teens. Gabriel Sayegh, New York state director for the Drug Policy Alliance, said “We cannot have the same laws applied differently to different groups of people when the dividing line is race.” While New York City is known as a progressive haven, the rest of the state has been resistant to making any changes to marijuana laws. However, with mounting debt and new financial priorities after Hurricane Sandy, New York can no longer afford to lock up so many people who pose no public threat. Many residents are angry over their tax dollars being used to fill up jails with teens. We are glad to see the Governor take initiative and if the second generation governor (his father is former NY Governor Mario Cuomo) with obvious presidential aspirations feels he can get this done without political turmoil, then it is obvious that the reform movement has turned a major corner.